Who are you doing it for?

Let me preface this post by saying I've had a couple of really interesting weeks.  Some emotional upheaval, both good and bad.  My family and friends have been really good  about just listening and letting it be.  I spent a lovely day with my sisters on Saturday and attended the LDS General Womens Conference.  It was a good day.  As I've been mulling over the events of the past while, a general theme kept running through my head.  I think its ready to be written down now. 
I suppose I've been wondering why people do things.  What motivates them.  Who are you doing things for in your life?  I'm sure my perspective is different from someone else's simply because our lives are different.  I'm sure someone would say that my thoughts could be categorized as completely selfish because I don't necessarily have to care for a dependant.  But, like I said, our lives are different.  However, I would dare to say that my point would apply regardless of your situation.
Who are you doing things for in your life?  I'm not talking about the every day things like fixing lunch for your kids or working to support yourself or your family.  I'm talking about all the extra things that add stress and make you busier than you need to be.  Are you spending your time and efforts on things that make other people happy but not necessarily yourself?  For example, I like to blog.  I usually blog in spurts.  I like to share some of my life with friends and family who read this.  It makes me happy.  But I listen to moms in my ward or friends at school who are literally in a panic about what to post!  Was it funny enough?  Did I include a picture?  Are there going to be alot of comments made?  What could I say that would generate traffic?  THAT is why you blog?  You're stressing over that?! haha  Makes no sense to me.
Is this making sense?  I used the blog reference because I just spoke with someone about that.  But I could use a zillion different references.  Who are you reading books for in your book club?  Just to say you're part of a book club or because reading and discussing a book really makes you happy?  Who did you get plastic surgery for?  Or implants for?  What made you change your hair or get acrylic nails?  Do you really enjoy spending time with that person or do you just know they have connections so you keep up appearances?  Is it trendy so you thought you'd do it even though you know its stupid and makes you stressed and unhappy?  Is it really you underneath all these things or are you just lost in what makes other people have a false impression of your happiness?  I can't answer those things for you and I'm certainly not rushing to judgement about any of it.  For heaven sakes, I'll be the first to tell you I spend good money making myself happy with my hair color LOL
I guess my point is this.  (I'm not making it very well, am I?)  I'm frustrated with people who complain about their "extra tasks" that bring them no joy.  Then why are you doing it?!  Can't you be happy and comfortable in your own skin yet? Strip yourself down.  What's left?  Take away your fake nails, tans, body parts, your fake personality to fit in with the group, your "very important" activities and see if you're happy with you.  That's the only person you have to please.  I'm tryin to do it and wow- that's deep haha But good to realize what I'm doing and WHY and for WHOM.  Just thought I'd pass that along.